Like legends Seve Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie before him, Englishman Ian Poulter seems to save his best golf for the Ryder Cup, during which his emotional responses regularly motivates his European teammates.
Europe's heartbeat: Ian Poulter
With the US leading 10-4 late on Saturday, Poulter claimed one of two points in the fourballs to hand Europe a spark of momentum heading into the final day's play at the Medinah Country Club, with the US leading 10-6.
Visibly lifted by the two late points, Poulter was one of eight Europeans to win their singles matches on Sunday as the European team claimed a dramatic come-from-behind victory that left the Americans stunned.
"It's a passion I have; it's a passion I've seen at the Ryder Cup for years and years as a kid growing up, and it's something that comes from within," Poulter commented after beating U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson in his match.
"I just love it. I love the whole fact that I've got 11 great team mates, a fantastic captain and vice-captains, and I love the team atmosphere. It's something very, very special to be a part of."
The 36-year-old made his debut in the competition at Oakland Hills in 2004 ended his week with a perfect 4-0-0 record and an over-all record of 12-3-0 - the highest winning percentage by a European who has played in at least three Cups.
Such is his prowess in the competition that compatriot Lee Westwood joked that Poulter should be included automatically when Europe defend their title at Gleneagles in 2014.
"We have actually revised the qualification for next time," Westwood smiled. "It's nine spots, two picks and Poults. The Poults clause."
Tiger Woods was quick to praise Poulter as well and felt that the Englishman's passion for the trans-Atlantic showdown event matched that of Montgomerie, a long-time talisman for the European team.
"Monty had a fantastic career and an even better Ryder Cup career. Poults is about the same. I know that he plays well in this event, and he's tough to beat," the world number two commented.
While Poulter has competed in four Ryder Cups, this year's event was made even more special when the entire team entire in the navy blue colours once favoured by Ballesteros, who passed away last May.
It was amazing to see the atmosphere change in that team room," Poulter commented.
"The spirit, it just changed. Guys were pumped up... we just felt there was that little glimmer of hope.
"Whether it's this good man right on my left sleeve right now that's going to pull us through this, I don't know," Poulter added while pointing to the silhouette of the late Ballesteros.
"It's pretty special."
golf365.com